HOUSTON (NBC 26) -- Many Green Bay Packers fans were surprised and frustrated when their team decided not to take a wide receiver in April's NFL Draft.
But, there's a possibility a new difference-maker is already on the roster. Reggie Begelton, one of the Canadian Football League's top receivers in 2019, is ready to make an impact.
Not many American-born players envision their dream taking them through the CFL, but Begelton has embraced it.
"It's been a journey," Begelton said. "But a fun journey."
Since signing with the Packers in January, Begelton hasn't been able to step foot into Lambeau Field due to the pandemic, so he's had to make a name for himself through the team's virtual meetings.
"I took the virtual meetings as an opportunity to be that guy that's not afraid to speak out," he said. "That confidence helped me but it also helped the coaches realize who I am."
He's definitely caught Matt LaFleur's eye.
"We've been quizzing these guys quite a bit and he's routinely at the top," the Packers head coach said earlier this month. "I've just been super impressed at his approach and I'm excited to see what he can do on the field."
"I took this like a college course and I'm trying to get an 'A' in it," Begelton said of the offseason program. "I'm trying to get a 4.0 in it."
The 26-year-old has had an unusual rookie offseason in the NFL, but he's making sure he stays ready for when the Packers hit the field - whenever that might be.
"I get up every morning and I come and grind," he said at a workout facility in Houston. "That's the only thing you can control right now is 'are you prepared when you go up there?'"
Begelton won't be guaranteed a roster spot, but he believes the work that he's put in will make him a catch for the team.
"This is coming into fruition," Begelton's training, Kerry Bennett, said. "I know his work ethic, I know he's going to be capable and all the necessary things he has to do to stay where he's at."
"I'm not going to have any excuse when I get up there," Begelton said. "I'm going to shine."
